What’s the latest with Nene and Kenyon Martin?

For the past few years, Nene and Kenyon Martin have made up the Nuggets starting front court – and there’s a possibility that neither will be on the Nuggets when this season begins.

Kenyon Martin’s agent, Andy Miller, confirmed today that Martin will continue to play out his contract in China, a contract that did not have an out-clause. Martin is an unrestricted free agent, so he might not have been back anyway. He can return to the NBA when his China team finished the season, likely in March.

Meanwhile, when free agency does begin on Dec. 9, it’s arguable that Nene will be the best player available. The longtime Nuggets post opted out of the last year of his contract ($11.6 million), looking for a new deal. He’s unrestricted.

“I just have to wait and weigh my options and see what’s best for my family and me,” Nene said today. “I am very excited that I will get to go back to doing what I love. It’s been great nine years in Denver and everyone knows who knows me, they know how much I love the Nuggets organization and city of Denver. Thanks to the blessing from God it’s a special moment in my career.”

Nene, 29, averaged 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in 75 games last year. The Nuggets do have money to spend, but will also have to weigh their options in regards to investing in a big man heading into his 30s. Coach George Karl previously said that if Martin didn’t return, that Timofey Mozgov could start in the low-post. Denver also has Chris Andersen, Kosta Koufos and rookie Kenneth Faried. Starting forward Danilo Gallinari can play some in the low post, as can veteran reserve Al Harrington.

Right after the season was over, Nene told my Post co-writer Chris Dempsey that he was frustrated, saying “I tried to do my best for the fans. But the (Nuggets) need to understand you need to see the return on the other side, or you need to look for it. You need to look for it sometimes. They don’t realize all of the sacrifices I made. When you don’t feel appreciated, it’s hard.”

When I met up with Nene in August, he reiterated that it’s possible he could return to the Nuggets but suggested that one of the reasons he wants to play elsewhere is for a more immediate chance at a championship.

“After nine years, I have goals and I’m a team player,” said Nene, who has averaged 12.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in his career. “I’m very competitive. I want to accomplish everything. It’s a big opportunity, and it’s the only one in my life to be a top free agent. So I want to enjoy this moment. If people think it’s about money, they’re wrong. I’ve saved my money. I could retire today. I don’t need to prove points. I like it a lot here.”

It’s been reported that teams such as Houston, Indiana and New Jersey could be fits for Nene. Other free agent big men include Marc Gasol (restricted), Tyson Chandler (unrestricted) and DeAndre Jordan (restricted).

The Nuggets likely will open camp on Dec. 9 – yes, the same date that free agency begins.